A RARE solar eclipse is happening on April 8 and the correct eyewear can help you watch it safely.
If you have old solar eclipse glasses you may be able to use them again but check for a hidden number on the eyewear first.
Your solar eclipse glasses need to say they’re ISO Certified 12312-2.
This number should be printed on the glasses, potentially inside the arms of the eyewear.
The International Organization for Standardization sets global standards for trusted goods and services.
If your eclipse glasses have this marking and you got them from a reputable source then they’ll likely be safe to use.
You need to make sure they are not scratched or have holds in them.
If in doubt, it’s worth getting some new solar eclipse glasses in time for the event.
Some stores in the US are even giving them away for free or alongside a small purchase.
HOW TO WATCH A SOLAR ECLIPSE SAFELY
Solar eclipse glasses are very important as they protect your eyes from serious damage.
You must never look directly at the Sun without adequate protection as this could damage your eyesight for life.
The glasses are important because of the special filters they contain.
These filters are over 1,000 times darker than standard glasses.
This allows you to be able to look at the Sun through them without risking damage.
Remember you won’t be able to see much else through them, just the glowing Sun.
If you’re not in the path of totality or don’t have eclipse glasses you can watch the event via a live stream.
Nasa will be doing a 2024 solar eclipse broadcast on April 8.